Alissa Grosso

Grownup books vs. kids books

There’s a common misconception out there that kids books (and I am including YA in this broad sweep) is for people who are under the age of 18, and any grownup who reads such books is dumb or immature or something of the like. Of course, most of the people who hold such views haven’t actually read a YA book recently because they proudly consider themselves too smart and grownup for such things.

Chances are, if you are reading this, you already know that most YA fiction is not dumbed down, and can be just as challenging as any adult book out there. In fact, I’ve found that many of the people who take a dim view of YA literature aren’t spending their free time reading challenging masterpieces of literature or deep, incomprehensible philosophical tracts. They’re reading popular fiction. Sure, the characters are over the age of 18, but otherwise the book is no more complex than your average YA title.

Still, sometimes I wonder if all the YA books I’m reading is making me soft. I worry that I don’t read enough grownup books, that I am regressing. Usually, these thoughts plague me when I am having a hard time getting through an adult book.

I’m reading a grownup novel, and I’m about 100 pages in, and I’m just not that into it. My first thought is that I have lost the ability to read books for grownups.

Then I think of all the grownup books I read recently that I loved and had a hard time putting down, and I realize maybe it’s not me. Maybe it’s the book. Maybe it’s not my sort of thing, not because grownup books aren’t my thing, but because this is a book that just doesn’t grab me.

Have you ever experienced reading self doubt? Do you read YA books? Grownup books? A pleasant mix?

Tags: grownup books, reading self doubt, ya books

What I'm Reading | Alissa | March 5, 2010 2:30 pm

8 Comments

By Medeia Sharif, March 5, 2010 @ 4:45 pm

I’m flexible and read just about everything. But I do find that after reading YA heavily for a few years, I’m pickier about what adult books I read.
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By Angie, March 6, 2010 @ 7:53 am

I had this very same thing happen to me! I’ve been reading so much YA that when I picked up the first Sookie Stackhouse, I was like, eh, not so good, even though I’m sure that a year ago I would have loved it. There were a couple other adult books I’ve read recently that I’ve had a hard time getting into. I kind of think that part of it is that with YA the action, and that feeling of being hooked, happens so fast that I’ve become used to it. But it could also be that I’ve just picked up some adult books that weren’t that great. Will have to see if the trend continues.
By Alissa, March 6, 2010 @ 8:47 am

Medeia: I think I have grown pickier and a bit more impatient when it comes to adult books, but maybe that’s just because I’ve reached a point in my life where I don’t feel like reading something I don’t really like.
By Alissa, March 6, 2010 @ 8:49 am

Angie: Very true. I remember reading an article by Lev Grossman (who wrote The Magicians) about why YA fiction is so appealing, and I’m paraphrasing here, but it was basically because stuff actually happens in YA books, where some adult books just sort of trudge along with not much happening. The ones that I tend to enjoy the most are as exciting and riveting as a young adult novel.
By Heather, March 6, 2010 @ 11:34 am

Since I’ve started reading and writing YA I noticed the same thing. Then I realized what was causing it. YA writers know how to really move a story along. They have to, young adults have shorter attention spans. ‘Adult’ books often move at a slower pace. I’ve also noticed YA writers really get you into the story emotionally while not all ‘adult’ books do. Some do of course, but not as many.
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By Runner Sami, March 7, 2010 @ 9:18 am

I think that Heather has a good point about the pace of YA novels v. adult novels. Although it’s interesting that a lot of popular adult novels also involve fast-paced action and interesting plot twists, so that even if the novel isn’t well written (ie. James Patterson), people still love to read them. I am a huge fan of YA lit and one of the main reasons is that I feel like the authors are able to capture the fresh nuances of what it means to grow up. But I have read a number of quality and not-so-quality novels in both adult and YA lit. If an author has a gift for writing that speaks to you personally than her book can suck you in leaving you wanting more regardless of whether its YA or adult lit.
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By Alissa, March 7, 2010 @ 11:28 am

Heather: I agree, and I’ve noticed that certain adult genres (mystery and science fiction come to mind) do a little bit of a better job at this than other books.
By Alissa, March 7, 2010 @ 11:29 am

Sam: I think you’re right. And some of the most popular adult fiction moves along at that same fast pace as YA fiction.